Chapter 27: The Queen’s Banquet
Fortress Triumvirate’s grand hall had been transformed into an arena befitted by the Vampire Queen’s twisted vision of elegance. Crystalline chandeliers carved from obsidian hang suspended above a massive banquet table that stretches across the entire chamber, its surface crafted from polished bone and inlaid with silver runes that pulse with crimson energy. Eight ornate chairs surrounded the table—each occupied by captured Lords who had been brought as honored guests for Selena’s macabre celebration.
[System: Banquet Preparation Complete]
[Participants: 8 captured Lords]
[Status: Conscious, restrained]
[Threat Level: Neutralized]
[Selena’s Enhancement: Active]
[Blood Quality: Elite tier]
[Anticipated Effects: Significant power increase]
Lucas occupied the throne-like chair at the head of the table, looking at the captured Lords with an expression that mixed satisfaction with anticipation. These were survivors of coordinated assault—leaders who had commanded thousands of soldiers in a desperate final attack against his forces.
Their armies had been systematically destroyed, but Lucas had specifically ordered their capture alive for this precise moment.
"My King," Selena approached with movements that seemed to defy gravity, her Crimson Crown casting shadows that danced across walls in patterns that hurt to observe directly, "banquet is prepared. These Lords represent the finest blood in the entire continent—each one carries power that will enhance our capabilities exponentially."
[System: Captured Lord Analysis]